Pocket Gun for Summer CCW
Well summer is fast on its way and I'm looking for a small "pocket gun" for a ccw piece.
I'm leaning towards a S&W J-frame of some type, but can't decide because I know next to nothing about them.
Suggestions anyone?
I'm leaning towards a S&W J-frame of some type, but can't decide because I know next to nothing about them.
Suggestions anyone?
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quote:Originally posted by HighVolumeOfFire
Well summer is fast on its way and I'm looking for a small "pocket gun" for a ccw piece.
I'm leaning towards a S&W J-frame of some type, but can't decide because I know next to nothing about them.
Suggestions anyone?
My 642 carries in my front pocket (cargo shorts) extremely well. Very light, doesn't print and allows me complete freedom of movement on the job. Plus, at .38 Special +P, it's formidable and up to the task.0 -
I like my walther ppk.[:)] 0 -
quote:Originally posted by stevenrayspeck
I like my walther ppk.[:)]
stylish choice, no doubt....
While leaning towards a revolver, I could end up buying a small semiauto instead.0 -
I also like the S&W 642. It's easy to care for, light to carry, has plenty of power, you can't snag the hammer, it's compact, and it works every time.[:)] 0 -
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=66839936
Just kidding![:D]0 -
Kel Tec P3At. My .02 0 -
I've looked through the archives and the 642 seems to be a popular choice, but why?
What seperates it from the other Smith J frames?
You'll have to pardon my ignorance, my knowledge of revolvers is practically ziltch0 -
The 642 is a hammer-less lihgtweight revolver. It weighs a lot less than the usual stainless or blue steel j frames. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by HighVolumeOfFire
I've looked through the archives and the 642 seems to be a popular choice, but why?
What seperates it from the other Smith J frames?
You'll have to pardon my ignorance, my knowledge of revolvers is practically ziltch
It's virtually rustproof except for a screw head in the grip, and it's hammerless, so it can't hang up in your pocket as easily.
It's butt ugly, but I like the fact that I can't snag a hammer on something when I'm working around and under things. It just seems to be a more safe design for my use in my opinion.[:)]0 -
I like the lightweight model 38, which has the hidden hammer so you can cock it at the range or if trying to take a more accurate shot at a stalking cougar. The gun is ugly but efficient. 
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quote:Originally posted by sig232
I like the lightweight model 38, which has the hidden hammer so you can cock it at the range or if trying to take a more accurate shot at a stalking cougar. The gun is ugly but efficient.
I really like those and the body guards. For some strange reason I really like the looks of them.
Thay are a no nonsense practical carry revolver.0 -
quote:Originally posted by MVP
quote:Originally posted by sig232
I like the lightweight model 38, which has the hidden hammer so you can cock it at the range or if trying to take a more accurate shot at a stalking cougar. The gun is ugly but efficient.
I really like those and the body guards. For some strange reason I really like the looks of them.
Thay are a no nonsense practical carry revolver.
Yep, I put a crimson trace laser on mine and its a nice, accurate carry revolver. (I will have to admit though, that I carry my Kel-Tec P3AT more often) Keep that quiet, since we are trying to pedal S&W in this post!0 -
Some models have a flush hammer which you cannot cock. It is DAO, but there might be a "half-cock". Not sure. Other models are the same, but used a shroud to keep the hammer from catching on clothing.
The 642 was, until recently, available NIB for $300 to $350. Economics, the warranty, weight, utility, all combine to make it a popular choice.
Are you planning on carrying this in a concealment holster directly in the pocket?
Have you ever carried a pound or more [22 ounces] on a pocket without that pocket leaning outward?
With jeans and a good belt, it can be done. Lots of people carry this way.
Light-weight shorts without belt, however, doesn't work so well.
For the challenged, a well-made DAO flat semi-auto in a good leather case, in the back pocket, is a recognized alternative to the front-pocket revolver. A trusted back-pocket .380 which takes no more effort to include than a wallet beats a bulkier five-shot .38 which sometimes slips a little too deep in a front pocket. And the DAO or DA/SA is a good idea. I'd sure hate to trust my life to a SA, but plenty of people love them.
Nothing beats, however, a tight OWB with your choice of compact shooter, covered by a loose shirt. However, the back-pocket solution works for me, the idea being that one should not have to plan their wardrobe so intimately around their choice of concealed protection.0 -
I agree with the lightweight, J-Frame S&W thinking but it's bulgy for front pocket carry in light summer pants. PPKS and PPKs are too heavy.
For the weight of an empty Baby Browning 25, you can carry a loaded .380 Keltec.
For belt holster carry, options for bigger,heavier handguns open up.0 -
quote:Originally posted by fastcarsgofast
Kel Tec P3At. My .02
Ditto. I never leave the house without it. It's so light compared to other pocket guns I've carried.0 -
Sperry, I was planning on carrying it in my right front pocket in some type of holster. I don't like anything in my back pockets, for whatever reason it feels like I have less control over it. Because of that, I carry my wallet in a front pocket.
I have looked at small, single stack .380s or 9mms as an alternative to a revolver but hesitate due to mixed reviews over reliability.0 -
S&W 642 is very light and easy to throw in your pocket and forget about. 0 -
If you really have to have a J-Frame, the Smart Carry, jock strap style, holster will conceal it better than a side pocket will.
I've seen the Smart Carry designer conceal and quick draw a pair of 1911s from his holster at a gun show. That demo sold me on one for my G19.0 -
HVF, I had a Kakr PH9 [16/18 ounces + ammo] and a Milt Sparks PCH holster.
A front-pocket rig.
I can't say enough about the 'Sparks Pocket Concealment Holster.
[I picked it up for $30, used, on GT's leather FS forum].
A perfect combination. No imprinting with heavy-cloth trousers, and smooth draw.
Smooth, smooth draw. Slipped right out; no, absolutely no issues there.
Darn accurate, too. I split a sapling at 20 yards in a contest with another.
I eventually sold my Kahrs because, while DA, they resemble Glocks in their need of a slide rack to reset the striker, vs. a gun that will engage the firing pin with every pull of the trigger, like a PPK/S. I'm pretty set on DAO or DA/SA.
I had both the MK9 and the PM9 for about a year each.
Also tried the Colt Government 380, the Beretta 3032, PPK/S, SP-101, TPH, AMT 380 [the single action model], M317LS, P239, AMT 45 Backup, an Auto 9, CCW745, their C6, and a few others.
I'm back where I started, with a little change. The AMT 380 DAO, in a DeSantis Trickster.0 -
quote:Originally posted by v35
If you really have to have a J-Frame, the Smart Carry, jock strap style, holster will conceal it better than a side pocket will.
I've seen the Smart Carry designer conceal and quick draw a pair of 1911s from his holster at a gun show. That demo sold me on one for my G19.
I already have a G19....I'll check out that holster0 -
beretta bobcat 0 -
Last summer I carried a Bersa Thunder .380. It fit in my front pocket with only minimal of a bulg.
Now my dad has that gun so I to am looking for something else.
I am strikeing out though as I really wanted to stay with a .45ACP as all my other pistols are in .450 -
The reason some like the Smith 642 over the 38 (bodyguard) is no chance of cocking it while in a pocket or having a coin or something get in the shroud and stop the hammer when you try to pull the trigger.
Here are my thoughts, backed by 20 years of concealed carry. I like the Smith J-frames in airweight or titanium. Shrouded hammer or hammerless. Older wood grips with one of the grip adapters like tyler t-grip. Carried in strong side pocket with nothing else. Federal 129 grain +P hydra-shok hollowpoint. Bianchi Speed-strip of extra ammo.
Reasons-gun is lightweight and dependable in a caliber heaavy enough to stop but with low enough recoil to control. Small enough to take wherever you go. Easy to carry in pants pocket without weighing you down. Can also be carried in a jacket in cold weather and can even be shot from inside pocket if necessay. Grip & adapter won't catch on pocket like a rubber grip if you have to draw it out fast, but has the same feel as a rubber boot-grip or compact pachmayr. Gives a good grip and makes the gun point naturally for people with average size hands. Strong side carry so you get a good grip and your week hand can block or grab a threat. Nothing else in pocket so that nothing can mess up the gun or cause and accidental discharge. Speed strip of extra ammo to go in your back pocket for a flat, light, easy to carry (and have with you)reload. Federal Hydra-shok ammo because it is powerful and dependable and probably used by more police departments than any other ammo.
I bought a polymer Kahr to carry concealed but so far haven't traded for my old reliable Smith J-frame.0 -
I know you're asking about a wheelgun, but saw you may consider an auto - Kel Tec's P3AT. None lighter, or smaller. 0 -
...642 ugly? Nah, the newer Smith w/that "sway-back" look is ugly!
I like the 642,of all the guns I own/owned...I dont have a Smith!!
...need to remedy THAT problem! IF I wanted another carry gun, would consider the 642.
...very used to carrying one of my 1911's , and forget Im wearing it been carrying one for so long.
After getting some opinions here about Kel-Tec .380, that one would be considered too. Was told by people here...and at the shop, NOT a giant box type store...that they loved the KT in .380, their 9mm had some FTF probs though (echoed by about 6 people in the shop at the time![:0]). .32 just doesn't do it for me, beats the heck out of nothing if that was all you had though.
...shoot, the KT in .380 (OD green is what Id get, if got one) is so inexspensive at $235 out the dr here...you can throw it in your truck console like I do nicer guns, and give a poo about it getting banged some; thought the way their made, dont think THAT would show!
...Man, the KT in 380 weighs like probably 10-11ozs, loaded! That sucker is a genuine "pocket pistol"!...hell, it would fit in your shirt pocket...[8D]0 -
It's always summer around my corner of the world.
I consider J-frames too large for front pocket carry, therefore a Seecamp is my always carry.
http://www.mouseguns.com/PocketAutoComparison.pdf0 -
The S&W 340 PD J Frame is the lightest one made. Plus you can shoot either .357 Mags or .38 Special just according to how recoil sensitive you are.
My 340PD only weighs 11.6 ounces including the set of Crimson Trace Laser Grips.
Then sometimes even the 340PD is to big to carry in some pants pockets and for those times I carry my Kel-Tec P-3AT .380 Semi Auto that is a 1st generation model that weighs 7.2 ounces empty and 9.9 ounces loaded.
Smitty0 -
Kahr PM-9 I carry it in my back pocket on occasion and it is NOT too heavy. Size and width is small and compact. 0 -
My Kel-Tec P-40 .40 Cal pictured below or the P-11 9mm are both lighter than the Kahr and they're still to heavy for pocket carry. Sure they're small enough but they are still to heavy to be carried comfortablly. They make your pants pull to one side and if you don't tighten up your belt an extra notch you're pants will be around your knees after a while.
Smitty0 -
quote:Originally posted by GUNFUNCO
The reason some like the Smith 642 over the 38 (bodyguard) is no chance of cocking it while in a pocket or having a coin or something get in the shroud and stop the hammer when you try to pull the trigger.
Thats an easy thing to fix. Just don't carry it in the same pocket with your change and car keys. Carry it in an Empty pocket.0
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